Thomas M. Hinkle, 73, of Atlanta, GA passed away on November 10, 2021 after a hard battle with pneumonia. He was born February 24, 1948 in Moline, IL to Maxine and William Max Hinkle. Shortly afterward his family moved to Des Moines, IA where he grew up. He was very grateful for the supportive community there that filled in many gaps after the loss of his dad in a plane crash when Tom was 7 years old.
He attended North High School and later graduated from Iowa State University. He was a devoted member of the SAE fraternity. He came to faith in Christ during his freshman year there and was involved with the campus ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC). Upon graduation in 1970, he joined staff with CCC and served with the campus ministry at The University of Georgia. He later served as the US representative for their Eastern Europe Ministry. He served with CCC (name now changed to Cru) for 33 years. The past 20 years he has worked in the marketplace in various capacities, most recently with Honest-1 Auto Care in Roswell, GA as a customer service associate.
He exuded gratitude and had a contagious laugh and smile! He always had a word of encouragement to everyone he encountered along the way. He had a passion to share the good news of Jesus Christ! He had a child-like faith and trust in a good Father who answers our prayers!
He is survived by his loving wife of 15 years, Mary Hinkle; his sister Mary Kay (Dick) Grodt of Cedar Rapids, IA; his children, Rebekah Hinkle, Jennifer Mattis, Julia (Kelly) Goalby, Daniel Arvid (Averi) Magnuson and grandchildren, Eve Mattis, Stephen Mattis, Frances Goalby, Robert Goalby, Lemon Magnuson and Nora Magnuson. He is also survived by his niece, Stephanie (Kris) Peck and nephew, Eric Grodt.
In his latter years he had the joy of connecting with relatives he did not know he had, Gary and Carolyn Johnson and Rita Johnson Crozier. His arms were always open wide to include others and make room for them in his heart and at the dinner table. He will be greatly missed by many who loved him and whose lives were deeply impacted by him.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at Northlands Church in Norcross GA on December 4th at 10:30 am. Live streaming will also be available.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Tom Hinkle may be made to Cru, Eastern Europe Ministry, or to Northlands Church, Norcross, GA, designated to help cover medical expenses.
